Economic Watch

According to the World Trade Organization, trade represented 74.5% of Zambia’s GDP from 2005-2007.  In 2008, merchandise exports totaled over $5 billion while merchandise imports totaled over $5.1 billion.  In 2007, commercial services exports totaled $279 million while commercial services imports totaled $886 million.
Note:  The information in this snapshot can help identify trade factors that may impact investments in Zambia.  For example, the higher the Trade-to-GDP ratio the greater sensitivity Zambia’s economy might have to global economic, trade, and financial fluctuations. Also, changes in economies or industries of key trading partners may trigger changes in Zambia’s economy and industries. RT AfriBiZ.
Major Imports and Exports
According to the International Trade Centre, the top five export categories for Zambia in 2008, along with percentage of total exports, were:

1. Copper and articles of copper (64.3%)
2. Ores, slag, and ash (15.1%)
3. Other base metals, cermets, and articles thereof (5.9%)
4. Tobaccco and manufactured tobacco substitutes (1.4%)
5. Sugars and sugar confectionery (1.3%)

According to the International Trade Centre, the top five import categories for Zambia in 2008, along with percentage of total imports, were:

1. Boilers, machinery, nuclear reactors, etc. (16.6%)
2. Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, etc. (16.1%)
3. Vehicles other than railway (9.7%)
4. Ores, slag, and ash (8.4%)
5. Electrical and electronic equipment (9.5%)

Major Trading Partners
The top three countries to which Zambia exports merchandise, along with percentage of exports, are:

1. China (14.2%)
2. South Africa (8.5%)
3. Democratic Republic of Congo (8.1%)

The top three countries which import merchandise to Zambia, along with percentage of imports, are:

1. South Africa (51.7%)
2. United Arab Emirates (8%)
3. China (6.8%)

Please note that DRC is yet another important trading partner with Zambia, we would be doing ourselves a big favor if we continued to help DRC get on its feet, its a huge market for Zambian products.